28 Friday Feb 2014
Posted in cocktails & coffees, love to cook, Mexican/Latin
Tags
cilantro, grand marnier, jalapeño, lime juice, orange, tequila
Jalapeño Infused Margarita.
I recently went on a business trip to Las Vegas and enjoyed a really nice dinner at Taqueria Canonita located in the Venetian Hotel. The company, the atmosphere, the food…were all wonderful. But the Jalapeño Infused Margarita was inspirational.
Continue reading »26 Wednesday Feb 2014
Once you discover how to arrive at the Perfectly Baked Potato, the meal possibilities are at least a dozen deep. And that’s just where we’ll begin. Continue reading »
24 Monday Feb 2014
Posted in gluten free, healthy choices, love to cook, side dishes, vegetarian
Baked Potato {with Tomatoes, Basil Pesto & Fresh Mozzarella}.
Fresh Basil Pesto might as well be classified as butter. Because when you spoon it onto a piping hot potato, it melts into amazing. Now add fresh diced tomato and shredded mozzarella. This might just be as good to me as say Pizza Margherita with a Perfectly Baked Potato crust. Continue reading »
23 Sunday Feb 2014
Herb Infused Polenta {with Poached Eggs}.
Not exactly what I had in mind as I entered the kitchen this morning. However sitting here just minutes after enjoying it for Sunday brunch I’m in love with the flavors lingering on my tongue. They’re familiar and comfortable. Equally as exciting to the taste buds is their aroma. They are fresh herbs.
Continue reading »22 Saturday Feb 2014
Posted in appetizers, gluten free, love to cook, Mexican/Latin, seafood
Margarita Ceviche
My mom gave me a unique cookbook several years ago called Surreal Gourmet Bites. It changed my life or at least the way I viewed food. Thank you Surreal Gourmet (Bob Blumer) for inspiring me to eat with my eyes first and thanks mom for always choosing gifts for life.
21 Friday Feb 2014
Posted in burgers & sandwiches, chicken & turkey, love to cook
Chicken Cordon Bleu Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Decadence and delight.
I made a creamy Dijon Herb Spread for the crusty baguette. Then layered Virginia baked ham, Muenster cheese, and crispy breaded chicken breasts. Pan grilled the sandwiches with butter. Stood at the kitchen counter and bite by bite made it disappear. Oh how I love a grilled cheese sandwich and this one was exceptional.
Continue reading »20 Thursday Feb 2014
Tags
carrots, cilantro, fresh mint, fresh parsley, green peas, ground beef, onion, rice, tomatoes
It was this Kicked Up Albóndiga Soup recipe from Hispanic Kitchen that first grabbed my attention. I knew instantly it would be a hit at our house when I read the recipe. We are on an undeniable meatball kick. I’m not sure what’s gotten into us, but it’s full out meatball mania around here.
Continue reading »18 Tuesday Feb 2014
Posted in gluten free, healthy choices, love to cook, side dishes, vegetarian
Baked Sweet Potato {with Sautéed Mushrooms & Spinach topped with Jarlsberg Cheese}.
Recently someone asked me, “with all the cooking you do, what is your favorite ‘type’ of food or genre if you will….American Favorites, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, etc.” I thought about it for a minute, I certainly love most ALL food….but what came out of my mouth was absolutely accurate. “I love vegetables most.” All vegetables, prepared most ways. I could give up Italian if I had to (even though I’d miss it) but I could NOT give up veggies. I just couldn’t do it. Continue reading »
18 Tuesday Feb 2014
Tags
bacon, cheese, chili, potato, sour cream
Chili & Cheese Topped Baked Potato {with Sour Cream & Bacon}.
I love this combination so much that I got up bright and early one morning with the sole intention of making a pot of chili…so that I could picture it on top of this Perfectly Baked Potato. Continue reading »
17 Monday Feb 2014
Posted in beef, pork, lamb, love to cook, soups, stews, chili
Italian Bean Soup with Mini-Meatballs. I intentionally did not call this a recipe for Pasta e fagioli, although it was clearly my inspiration. Pasta e fagioli is traditionally a meatless dish, comprised of pasta and beans in a tomato base. When I did my standard recipe research I had a hard time avoiding the bazillion copycat recipes for Olive Garden’s Pasta e fagioli. We may be the only family I know who has not had a bowl of Olive Garden’s Pasta e fagioli. I’m sure it’s delicious but I chose not to compete with the masses.
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